Online check-in help and FAQs

Online check-in is the fastest and easiest way to check in for your United flights.

You can check in from your home or office and print your own boarding pass. You can also choose to have a link to your boarding pass emailed to your mobile device when departing from certain cities. Just display your boarding pass barcode on the screen of your device at the security checkpoint and when boarding your flight, and you're on your way.

Check-in is available starting 24 hours before your scheduled departure. Required timing for check-in, baggage check and boarding may vary based on your departure airport and destination. See our Check-in and Airport Processing Times page for details.

Who is eligible to check in online?

Your domestic or international reservation is eligible for check-in on united.com, provided you have a reservation that meets the following requirements:

The first flight in your itinerary is operated by United.

Your itinerary contains a total of four flight segments or less.

You are traveling with fewer than nine persons in your party.

Reservations with any of the following characteristics are currently not eligible for check-in on united.com:

Certain special service requests that require you to see a United representative at the airport.

Any paper-ticketed reservations.

Frequently asked questions about united.com check-in

Can I use united.com check-in when I have bags to check?

Yes. This service is now available when you need to check bags, as well as when you travel with only carry-on bags. Once you reach the airport, the quickest way to check your bags is by using one of our ticket counter kiosks. Dedicated kiosk areas are available at our hub airports and in select cities. You may also check your bags with a United ticket counter representative or curbside skycap (where available). You must check bags at least 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure in most domestic cities and 60 minutes for international destinations.

Can I use my cell phone or other mobile device to check in?

Yes. You can use your wireless-enabled device to check in for your United flight. Go to mobile.united.com using your device's Internet browser. You can also check in through the United app on your smartphone. Learn more about the United app.

What if my computer fails to print the boarding pass or I print it and then lose it?

You can always reprint your boarding pass from another computer (by checking in again). You may also reprint your boarding pass at any airport kiosk.

Will I be notified and reaccommodated if my flight changes or is canceled after I check in at united.com?

We will notify you of a cancellation or delay if you have signed up for our flight status notification subscription service at united.com. If you haven't signed up for flight status notification subscription and your flight is canceled after check-in, you should contact United to be rebooked. If you're already at the airport, an airport agent will handle the reaccommodation process, or you can use an airport kiosk.

Can I use united.com check-in if I bought my ticket at a travel agency?

Yes. All reservations are eligible for check-in on united.com provided you have an electronic ticket.

How do I use Auto Check-in?

Your journey will be easier with our Auto Check-in because the most convenient way to check in is to make it automatic. Auto Check-in does the work while you relax. When your departure is within the 24-hour window, Auto Check-in will take the necessary steps to check you in for the flight. As you check in for the first segment of your flight, if your itinerary is eligible, you will be given the option to select Auto Check-in for the remaining segment or a return flight. When you select this feature, you'll choose how you prefer to receive your boarding pass, such as by email or mobile device (where applicable). In addition, Auto Check-in will allow you to request that your boarding pass be ready for you to print at an airport kiosk.